Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, LLP has announced the addition of Amy Johnsgard as their newest partner, a strategic move designed to bolster the firm's personal injury practice and reinforce its commitment to achieving justice for clients. This development matters because it represents a significant investment in expanding legal expertise in areas affecting vulnerable individuals, including personal injury, human rights, consumer fraud, and product defects. The firm's approach emphasizes direct attorney-client relationships rather than relying on legal assistants or paralegals, which is rare in the industry and adds substantial value to client experiences during difficult legal proceedings.
Johnsgard brings extensive litigation and trial experience to the firm, with her background including work at the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office Civil Division. Her academic credentials include graduating magna cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2011, where she received multiple CALI awards for top class rankings and served as an editor on the Journal of Climate and Energy Law. This educational foundation supported her contributions to San Diego's Climate Action Plan, demonstrating her commitment to community-focused legal work that extends beyond traditional practice areas.
The implications of this appointment are substantial for clients seeking representation in complex litigation matters. Johnsgard's philosophy centers on achieving justice for wronged or injured individuals, emphasizing the importance of facilitating both physical and emotional healing while securing financial recovery. Her previous pro bono work with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, where she dedicated hundreds of hours providing legal assistance to vulnerable community members, aligns with the firm's broader mission in civil rights and human rights cases. This background suggests she will contribute to the firm's established track record in successfully litigating complex employment, consumer, civil rights, and human rights matters.
This announcement follows recent promotions within the firm, including Joshua A. Fields, a complex litigation and appellate attorney, and John Washington, an international human rights law expert, both elevated to partner status. These developments collectively underscore Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes' commitment to growth and excellence in legal representation. The firm's enhanced team positions it to better meet evolving client needs in a changing legal landscape, particularly as personal injury and consumer protection issues become increasingly complex. The combination of Johnsgard's specific expertise with the firm's existing strengths creates a more robust platform for addressing challenging legal issues facing individuals and communities.
The strategic importance of this appointment extends beyond immediate practice expansion. It signals the firm's dedication to maintaining a client-centered approach in an industry where personal attention is often compromised. Johnsgard's experience working directly with clients as a paralegal before her legal education informs her understanding of the practical aspects of legal representation. This perspective complements the firm's philosophy of providing one-on-one attorney time, which is particularly valuable in personal injury cases where clients are navigating physical recovery alongside legal proceedings. The firm's expanded capabilities through Johnsgard's addition strengthen its position in competitive legal markets while reinforcing its reputation for comprehensive client service.
